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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Design Review Committee
DATE: August 23, 2019
SUBJECT: Title
Certificate of Appropriateness to install a ghost mural on the east elevation at 6 E. Downer Place (Mike Saltijeral - 19-0736 / AU22/3-19.126-FCOA - JM - Ward 6)
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PURPOSE:
The contractor on behalf of the owner is requesting a Certificate of Appropriateness to paint a ghost mural on the east elevation at 6 E. Downer Place.
BACKGROUND:
The applicant is proposing to repaint a ghost sign on the brick wall facing the alley. The mural will have the original name of the building: "Aurora Silver Plate Manufacturing." The mural will be faded to appear like a ghost sign. The design is based on historic photos of the building dating c. 1871.
DISCUSSION:
While this does include painting unpainted brick, the mural is replicating a historic feature of the building and therefore the wall would have been painted historically. In addition, the brick wall is not a character-defining feature and the mural will not detract from any historic features. It is typically not recommend to paint unpainted brick as modern paint can decrease the brick's natural breathability and can trap water into the material leading to cracks and spalling; however, painted murals only cover a portion of the brick wall, providing the ability for water to make its way to the unpainted bricks in order to evaporate.
The mural has been reviewed by the City Public Art Director and approved by the Aurora Public Art Commission at their August 19, 2019 meeting. This recommendation goes to the FoxWalk Design Review Committee for recommendation, and finally to the Building, Zoning, and Economic Development Committee for a final decision.
POLICIES AND GUIDELINES:
The recommendation is based on Section 8.4 "Murals" of the FoxWalk Overlay District
Design Guidelines adopted on June 28, 2016.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Design Review Committee recommended APPROVAL of a Certificate of Appropriateness to...
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